Apparatus and method for filtering aqueous liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for the filtration of aqueous liquid that is capable of effectively removing suspended particles from aqueous liquid during a prolonged period of time without clogging of the particulate filter media and associated pressure build-up. This filtration apparatus comprises: ⋅a filtration chamber comprising an inlet opening that is located near the bottom of the filtration chamber, and an outlet opening that is located near the top of the filtration chamber; ⋅a screen covering the outlet opening of the filtration chamber; ⋅a first dosing unit that is located upstream of the filtration chamber adapted to release water-soluble components into the stream of aqueous liquid that flows from the inlet to the filtration chamber; ⋅a particulate filter media that partially fills the interior of the filtration chamber; ⋅a flow regulator that regulates the flow rate of aqueous liquid through the filtration chamber and that can operate in a high flow rate mode or a reduced flow rate mode; ⋅a timer that controls the flow regulator; wherein the timer is programmed to alternatingly switch the flow regulator from the high flow rate mode to the reduced flow rate mode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering aqueous liquid, which apparatus comprises a filtration chamber that holds a particulate filter media that is composed of inorganic material. The apparatus according to the invention is capable of effectively removing suspended particles from aqueous liquid during a prolonged period of time without clogging of the particulate filter media and associated pressure build-up. The apparatus of the present invention is particularly suitable for clarifying source water before that water is used for washing laundry or dishes.[0002]The invention further relates to a method of filtering aqueous liquid by passing a stream of aqueous liquid through a filtration chamber that is partially filled with particulate filter media.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Water is one of the necessities of human life. Water is important for drinking, cooking food and for preparing beverages. Water is also very important for c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device designed to effectively filter water for long periods of time without getting blocked. It switches between a high flow rate mode and a reduced flow rate mode to keep the filter clean and prevent clogging. The device breaks up the filter bed during the reduced flow rate mode, which helps to dislodge particles that may be clogging the filter. This process ensures continued effective filtration for a long time.

Problems solved by technology

Although the inventors do not wish to be bound by theory, it is believed that the breaking up of the filter bed during the reduced flow rate mode destroys the filter cake that is formed on the surface of the filter bed and promotes disintegration of particles of particulate filter media that have become clogged together.

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